BIRMINGHAM Council staff facing wage cuts of up to #20,000 say they've been ordered to sign new contracts - or face dismissal.

BIRMINGHAM Council staff facing wage cuts of up to #20,000 say they've been ordered to sign new contracts - or face dismissal.

Managers in the human resources department are reported to have made the threat as they try to force through the single status agreement, designed to guarantee pay equality.

A council spokesman denied the claim, but admitted that workers who refuse to accept revised terms and conditions deals will have their contracts terminated - while being given the chance to apply for their existing jobs at a lower salary. In other words - take it or leave it.

One staff member said: "They are telling us that we must agree now and if we don't like it, we can always appeal. But we're afraid that once we put pen to paper, that will be the end of it."

The worker described morale as "absolutely dreadful".

It's not only those who'll be worse off under single status who are upset.

The council also faces a challenge from employees who are getting a better deal.

Next week, hundreds of lower-paid workers including homecare staff will be asked to put their names to contracts giving them four years' back pay instead of the six years to which they are legally entitled.

Tony Rabaiotti, from Unison, said his members will be advised that they are only receiving two-thirds of the money they are owed and that if they want to fight for what is legally theirs, the union will help them.

Of course, no-one objects to the principle of fair pay - the question is whether the council is also showing fair play.